The Importance of Developing Systems to Address the Afterlife of Solar PV Modules

Solar power is undeniably one of the most rapidly expanding energy sources, transforming our landscapes while enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability throughout the UK. Solar arrays consist of various components, with solar PV modules being the primary element that captures light and converts it into electricity. In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in installations around us, aiding in our pursuit of Net Zero targets. With a focus on sustainability, an important question arises: What becomes of these modules once they reach the end of their lifespan?

Solar PV installations come in various sizes, utilising anywhere from eight to several thousand solar panels per setup. While these installations represent a durable investment, the growing adoption of solar technology is bound to create a significant amount of waste. Typically, solar panels have a lifespan of twenty-five to thirty years, and with proper care, they can last an additional ten to fifteen years. The longevity of these systems largely depends on the quality of the photovoltaic modules used, as well as the level of service and maintenance they receive. Since they are installed outdoors, solar panels face numerous challenges, including environmental wear and tear, damage from external forces, manufacturing defects, fires or errors during installation and handling. Unfortunately, this is often when panels end up being unusable and sent to recycling facilities or landfills.

It is important that with the widespread of these systems, the challenge of waste generation from sustainable energy initiatives is recognised and tackled by funders, installers, and manufacturers alike. This topic has been gaining more attention recently as part of the circular economy. This concept addresses climate change and other critical issues we face, including pollution, biodiversity loss, and waste, by moving away from using non-renewable resources. It encourages businesses to design products with their entire lifecycle in mind, ensuring that materials can be easily recovered and repurposed. By doing so, companies can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules contain several components that can be recycled, although the process is complex and varies depending on the type of module and recycling technologies used. The majority of the solar panels are made out of glass, which makes up about 60–70%, along with an aluminium frame that accounts for approximately 20%. In the case of thin-film panels, glass and aluminium together represent over 95% of the total weight. Thankfully, both these materials can usually be recycled almost entirely. In addition, the panels are constructed from various valuable metal components that can be salvaged from waste. This contrasts with plastic parts, which have more limited recycling capabilities; much of the plastic can only be recycled to a certain degree, or in some cases, not at all.

Recycling solar PV modules is not yet as efficient or widespread as it could be. The process often involves disassembling the module, separating the different materials, and refining them for reuse. The current recycling rate for solar panels is low, and many older panels are ending up in landfills. The recovery of valuable materials like silver, indium, or tellurium often requires advanced techniques that aren't yet universally available. As solar technology continues to advance, the industry will need to focus on improvements in recycling technology and the development of more standardised designs that would increase recycling rates in the future.

Governments and policymakers also play a critical role in promoting zero waste by creating regulations that support sustainable practices, research and development in green technologies, and raising public awareness about the benefits of reducing waste and conserving resources. By fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, we can speed up the evolution of the recycling process, ultimately contributing to a healthier planet and a more robust economy.